Today we’d like to introduce you to Ginger N. Whiskey
Hi Ginger N., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always been a dancer, majored in dance in college and was looking for a creative outlet when I graduated which led me to burlesque. It started as just a a hobby and it took me a very long time to find my voice in this art. Once I did though it became a career.
This career gives me the freedom to live authentically, be in the throes of passion and inspiration, and experience the utmost pride when visions come to fruition. It’s a way to grow community, bring awareness to social/political downfalls while amplifying important voices on how to take action.
I gives me a space to guide, mentor, and lead with everyone’s best interests in mind.
Performing reminds me that everything is temporary, to not take myself too seriously, and provides resilience in my ability to adapt, change, and hustle.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been far from easy. Fighting against patriarchal standards, capitalism and the lack of respect our nation has for not only art but people’s bodily autonomy has been a difficult battle. Tumultuous relationships are inevitable where people want to own you and control you. Many are threatened by the confidence of someone who chooses to strip for a living. I’m constantly fighting for fair pay, safe spaces, and better representation. Gigs are fickle and income is never guaranteed.
Art gives me the grace to grieve, celebrate, and evolve while using this scope of emotions to build a performance piece where I can be raw and vulnerable. Thanks to this I have persisted through the hardships and will continue to.
I also have built an incredible community of support and no longer tolerate anyone trying to dim my shine or squash my scope of work.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Burlesque is the art of the striptease. It celebrates bodily autonomy, creativity, satire, sensuality, and is/should be political.
I strive to create shows that are inclusive, safe, educational and fun. I want my audience to walk away feeling like they had a unique experience and a beautiful escape from the every day mundane.
I produce 4 different shows in San Diego:
Body Language at Sycamore Den, a free community based show where we highlight and fundraise for mutual aid.
Birds of Paradise at Botanica which is a tropicalia omakase brunch experience.
Leather Rebel at Good Bar where we revel in wild at heart performances to rock, punk, and metal.
Frisky Funk at Riviera Supper Club’s Turquoise Room which I coproduce with Feisty as Whiskey & Fuego. It’s a one of a kind show where the performers freestyle to soul & funk vinyl while our guests enjoy dinner and cocktails.
A couple things I’m most proud of are Great Gig in the Sky which is a Pink Floyd inspired theater show that incorporates a psychedelic storyline and multimedia. W&F will be reviving it February 2025.
I also just returned from performing in Japan which was a bucket list show for me.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I’ve learned that everything takes patience. There is no timeline for growth. One for in front of the other. In that patience I’ve learned where my strengths lie, when to let go, and when to reach out for support. All of my dance classes went virtual and I was able to use my virtual classes as a platform to fundraise. It helped me separate myself from individualism and focus on community and mutual aid.
I want people to leave my classes and my shows feeling like they are seen, cherished, and empowered.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.whiskeyandfuego.com/
- Instagram: Gingernwhiskey
Image Credits
Madeline Barr
Christina Liu
